Japanese EX-Fusion firm, a leader in laser fusion, looks to set up a base within hydrogen focus of South Australia
Japanese company EX-Fusion, to set up a wholly-owned subsiduary in South Australia, was developing cutting-edge laser fusion technology – fusing hydrogen isotopes – to produce safe, sustainable, and reliable energy for power generation.
EX-Fusion, a Japanese company with plans to produce a revolutionary source of green energy, announced in 2023 it would set up its international presence in South Australia – fuelling the state’s ambitions to be a global hydrogen leader.
EX-Fusion was developing cutting-edge laser fusion technology – fusing hydrogen isotopes – to produce safe, sustainable, and reliable energy for power generation. Laser fusion energy was being touted as a gamechanger to achieving Australia’s target of carbon neutrality by 2050, helping to respond to load fluctuations and meet market demands, while decarbonising existing energy sources.
By commercialising fusion energy and working with industry, EX-Fusion aimed to reduce carbon emissions by about 14.49 billion tonnes – equivalent to two per cent of the world’s total emissions by 2050. The company, led by Dr Kazuki Matsuo, drew on more than 50 years of research at Osaka University to develop the technology.
South Australian government agency Invest SA worked closely with EX-Fusion, with Dr Matsuo saying it was attracted to South Australia's innovative high-tech industries, its agile market access and the ability to work closely with government and research in a dedicated incubator environment: “We look forward to seeing South Australia grow further as the green energy and space capital of Australia”.
South Australia also had its first-mover advantage, backed by the state Labor government’s $593 million Hydrogen Jobs Plan along with legislative framework and significant industry development and opportunities. EX-Fusion saw potential for biomedical industries and collaborating with the second SAHMRI (South Australian Health and Medical Research Institute) bulding: the Australian Bragg Centre for proton therapy and research on North Terrace, Adelaide city.
The company would set up a wholly-owned subsidiary, expected to operating in South Australia by the end of 2024. In December 2022, EX-Fusion signed a memorandum of understanding with laser fusion firm HB-11 Energy and Adelaide University to assist and speed up laser and photonic research through shared centres.
